Pennsylvania Priesthood Restoration Site, Harmony (now Oakland) Introduction Quotes Witnesses Multimedia Key Events Readings Oliver Cowdery, Witness to the Book of Mormon  I was present with Joseph when an holy angel from God came down from heaven and conferred on us, or restored, the lesser or Aaronic Priesthood, and said to us, at the same time, that it should remain upon the earth while the earth stands. I was also present with Joseph when the higher or Melchizedek Priesthood was conferred by the holy angel from on high. This Priesthood, we then conferred on each other by the will and commandment of God. History of the Church, 1:41, footnote. Oliver Cowdery, Witness to the Book of Mormon  The assurance that we were in the presence of an angel; the certainty that we heard the voice of Jesus, and the truth unsullied as it flowed from a pure personage, dictated by the will of God, is to me, past description, and I shall ever look upon this expression of the Savior's goodness with wonder and thanksgiving. History of the Church, 1:43, footnote.